Abstract
Objectives
The World Health Organization (W.H.O.) projects by 2020 chronic disease will account for 73% of deaths worldwide (W.H.O., 2010). In the United States (U.S.) minorities are high risk for chronic diseases. U.S. census projects by 2050 American minorities as the majority (Census, 2000).
Purposes of pilot study 1) identify individual knowledge of chronic diseases; 2) when known (time frame); and 3) knowledge implemented to improve health. Important because if projections are correct health of the majority of people worldwide and U.S. society in particular, (Americas’ minority/majority) forecast as: poor health with short healthy life expectancy.
Leading chronic diseases causing mortality in America: heart disease, cancer and lower respiratory diseases (Center for Disease Control, 2016). Hispanics are 16% of U.S. population. Leading cause of mortality: cancer. African Americans are 13.6% of U.S. population. Leading cause of mortality: heart disease. Societal challenge: mitigating health issues of a minority/majority.
Methods
A convenience sample adults (N = 15) utilized; most minorities. They completed 32 item questionnaire. Some items were Likert scale 5 strongly agree and 1 strongly disagree.
Results
Ninety-nine % have family member(s) with health challenges. More than 50% indicate being, “Healthy”. Half indicate being overweight. The majority response to frequency questions: 2–3 weekly. Example, most consume 9 servings of fruits/vegetables (F/V) 2–3 weekly. USDA recommend 9 servings of F/V daily. Time frame questions: ‘when known’. Example, half indicate meat and dairy as a diet necessity. When known, majority indicate over a year ago. Meat/dairy linked with chronic diseases. Majority misidentifies nutrient dense foods. Example, majority indicate white potatoes and iceberg lettuce as nutrient dense. Nutrient dense foods mitigate chronic diseases. Response to Likert type scale items, example, “I work hard to improve my dietary lifestyle”, most indicate ‘agree’.
Conclusions
Current nutritional information limited. Outdated nutritional information implemented. Nutrient dense diet lacking. The trajectory forecast of a minority/majority with poor health and short healthy life expectancy is on target.
Funding Sources
N/A.